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A Taiwanese official has said Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau"has long entertained highly unrealistic expectations regarding China". — A Taiwanese official has said Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau "has long entertained highly unrealistic expectations regarding China".Credit:AAP

A Taiwanese statement said it"deeply regrets and strongly condemns"the decision by the Republic of Kiribati,of which it was notified on Friday.

The Chinese government had offered to pay for several planes and ferries"luring Kiribati into switching diplomatic relations",the statement claimed.

Taiwan would immediately end all cooperative aid projects in Kiribati,including technical and medical projects,it said.

"Kiribati President Taneti Maamau and certain members of the ruling party have long entertained highly unrealistic expectations regarding China,and have engaged in frequent exchanges with China since President Maamau took office in 2016,"the Taiwanese Foreign ministry said.

Kiribati had requested financial assistance from Taiwan to purchase planes,and rejected Taiwan's offer of a commercial loan instead.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday afternoon that China"highly appreciates"Kiribati's decision.

On Mondaythe Solomon Islands said it would end diplomatic ties with Taiwan after 36 years and recognise China instead.

Diplomatic rivalry - and cheque book diplomacy - between China and Taiwan in the Pacific pre-dates concerns in Australia about rising Chinese investment in the Pacific. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and insists countries recognise its"One China"policy.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison last year announced a Pacific Step Up - or increased investment in infrastructure in the Pacific - where Australia remains the largest aid donor.

Since the Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen became President in Taiwan,seven nations have switched recognition to China,leaving only 15 worldwide that recognise Taiwan. Four of these are in the Pacific.

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